Liverpool vs Sunderland: Confirmed Team News and Key Selection Decisions
Liverpool return to Premier League action with a home fixture against Sunderland, and the build-up has been dominated by carefully managed squad rotation and late fitness assessments. With a demanding schedule placing considerable strain on the group, the coaching staff have made clear that several senior figures will not be risked from the start.
Below is a detailed breakdown of the confirmed team news and the latest selection picture heading into tonight’s encounter at Anfield.
Rotation Considerations Shape Liverpool Plans
The Liverpool manager has highlighted concerns around workload, particularly for Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak and Joe Gomez. All three completed a taxing 90 minutes at the London Stadium, and with three matches in the space of seven days, changes are deemed inevitable.
Should Wirtz drop out of the line-up, Dominik Szoboszlai is expected to shift back into his familiar midfield role, creating space on the right flank for Mohamed Salah to return to the starting XI. If Isak is also managed carefully and moves to the bench, Hugo Ekitike is primed to take responsibility as Liverpool’s central striker.
Gomez’s situation mirrors the pair: after completing the full match at West Ham, he may be protected from further minutes. Curtis Jones, who has recently deputised at right-back, is the likely alternative.
Midfield Structure Expected to Remain Stable
Despite the potential adjustments in attack, Liverpool’s midfield core is expected to stay intact. Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch have established themselves as the preferred pairing at the base of midfield, with Szoboszlai expected to feature ahead of them unless he is required out wide.
Across the backline, aside from the possibility of a change at right-back, the defensive unit is likely to remain untouched. Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté and Milos Kerkez are set to continue as the foundation of Liverpool’s defensive shape.
Injury Updates and Player Recoveries
Liverpool’s long-term injury picture continues to evolve, though not quickly enough to influence the Sunderland match. Conor Bradley has only just returned to training after a muscle issue suffered on international duty earlier in the autumn, but he will not be considered for selection until after the trip to Leeds.
Jeremie Frimpong remains sidelined as he works through the latter stages of his recovery from a hamstring injury. Giovanni Leoni also continues his rehabilitation following surgery for a torn ACL earlier in the season.
None of the trio will be involved against Sunderland.
Predicted Liverpool XI vs Sunderland
Liverpool are expected to continue with a 4-2-3-1 structure as they look to maintain momentum on home soil.
Alisson; Jones, Konaté, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Ekitike.
Injured: Bradley, Frimpong, Leoni
Kick-off: 8.15pm GMT, Wednesday 3 December 2025
Venue: Anfield
Broadcast: Sky Sports
